Advancements in in-ear headphone design are relentless. Manufacturers have explored nearly every conceivable combination of emitters, housing, and diaphragm materials, yet they consistently manage to astonish us with innovative breakthroughs. In our most recent selection, you will discover models featuring a diverse array of engineering solutions, including unique acoustic designs, unconventional drivers, and distinctive housing finishes.
7. Topping Arpegear Hane
Topping, a manufacturer known for its affordable yet high-quality electronics, has introduced a new model of dynamic headphones featuring a diaphragm made from diamond-like carbon (DLC). A key highlight of this model is its four two-position switches, which enable users to customize the tonal balance, offering a total of 16 different sound profiles. The headphone housings are crafted using 3D printing technology with artificial resin, and the outer panel showcases a design that resembles bird feathers. Included in the package are a detachable soft cable with a 3.5 mm jack, a carrying case, and three pairs of silicone ear pads.
Price: $129
Pros: Sound customization to your taste, original design of external panels
Cons: Slightly high resistance
Verdict: Inexpensive, good-sounding headphones with adjustable sound
Specs: Emitter type – dynamic | Plug type – 3.5 mm / 4.4 mm | Sensitivity, dB – 115 | Nominal resistance, Ohm – 80
6. CVJ YUKIMI
The internal chamber has been enhanced to greatly minimize internal resonances, resulting in a clearer audio response. This new product features a unique housing design, crafted from an aluminum billet using CNC machining. The CVJ YUKIMI headphones are equipped with a cable made of 556 silver-plated wires, which are connected via interchangeable connectors—offering both asymmetrical 3.5 mm and balanced 4.4 mm options.
Price: $209
Pros – Stunning design, advanced dynamic driver
Cons – Only available in a white finish
Verdict: Beautiful and well-balanced sounding headphones
Specs: Emitter type – dynamic | Plug type – 3.5 mm / 4.4 mm | Sensitivity, dB – 108 | Nominal resistance, Ohm – 22
The model is equipped with a broadband dynamic emitter with a 10 mm carbon-coated diaphragm and a powerful magnetic system.
5. Moondrop Concerto
This model was developed by engineers at Moondrop in partnership with their colleagues from ddHiFi. It features top-tier emitters, including the solid-state xMEMS Montara and a proprietary 13-mm diaphragm planar driver. The amplifier, housed in a separate unit, ensures adequate amplification for the hybrid acoustic system, with each solid-state driver receiving power from an individual Aptos module, while the planar driver is powered by an integrated amplifier within the chipset. The planar driver operates effectively up to 8 kHz, after which the solid-state driver takes over, extending the frequency response up to 80 kHz. Users can connect the headphones via the USB-C port of any smartphone, and the built-in DAC supports PCM streams with resolutions up to 32 bit / 384 kHz.
Price: $329
Pros: Advanced xMEMS drivers, active circuit, high-resolution sound
Cons: Connection only via USB
Verdict: The most interesting new product on the in-ear headphones market
Specs: Emitter type – solid-state / planar | Plug type – USB-C | Sensitivity, dB – n/a | Nominal impedance, Ohm – n/a
4. See Audio Bravery’24 Edition
The 2024 special edition features a variety of innovative enhancements, such as vibrant body colors, a newly included cable, and packaging that comes with an acrylic stand and a designer mouse pad. The manufacturer states that the orange hue symbolizes energy and enthusiasm, while the green signifies the headphones’ calm and composed nature. This new model boasts an upgraded cable with a pure silver core coating. The Bravery’24 version is outfitted with four high-performance armature drivers in each earphone and includes premium Azla Sednaearfit XELASTEC Eartips.
Price: $349
Pros: Bright case finish, high sensitivity, time-tested sound
Cons: Not everyone likes bright colours?
Verdict: An improved version of a popular model
Specs: Emitter type – armature | Plug type – 2.5 mm, 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm | Sensitivity, dB – 110 | Nominal resistance, Ohm – 18
3. Fidue Thunder
Price: $399
The designers of these headphones aimed to achieve a balance between comfort and superior low-frequency performance. To accomplish this, they developed a dynamic driver featuring a 15-mm silicone diaphragm that delivers the required bass response, while two custom armature drivers handle the remaining frequency range. Each driver is equipped with its own acoustic chamber and waveguides, and the sound profile has been fine-tuned using advanced algorithms incorporating deep learning techniques. This innovation allows the headphones to produce impressive bass without the need for deep ear canal insertion, ensuring a comfortable listening experience that minimizes fatigue. The housings are precision-machined from aluminum, and the hybrid cable is constructed with pure and silver-plated copper cores.
Pros: Powerful bass, interesting open design
Cons: Poor insulation of the ear canal
Verdict: Original in-ear headphones for those who don’t like traditional in-ear models
Specs: Emitter type – dynamic / armature | Plug type – 3.5 mm / 4.4 mm | Sensitivity, dB – 103 | Nominal resistance, Ohm – 20
2. DUNU SA6 EST
The earphones feature a sophisticated design with six armature drivers and two electrostatic emitters sourced from SONION and Knowles. In the low-frequency spectrum, two SONION drivers are utilized, while the mid-range frequencies are handled by two armature emitters from Knowles. Additionally, two more Knowles armature drivers manage the high frequencies, and the ultra-high-frequency range is enhanced by two electrostatic drivers from SONION. A four-band electronic crossover ensures the seamless integration of all these emitters. The internal wiring employs silver-plated monocrystalline copper for optimal performance. The exterior of the housings showcases an appealing blend of blue, white, and black hues, accented with silver glitter. The package includes a premium leather case, a variety of ear pads in different sizes, and a standard DUNU Hulk Pro Mini cable.
Price: $639
Pros: high resolution, high sensitivity, high-quality drivers
Cons: The price
Verdict: Headphones for lovers of refined high frequencies
Specs: Emitter type – electrostatic/armature | Plug type – 3.5 mm / 4.4 mm | Sensitivity, dB – 117 | Nominal resistance, Ohm – 55
1. Shanling AE10
The headphones feature ten armature drivers on each side, housed in a construction that utilizes vacuum-molded resin paired with a carbon outer panel. This design incorporates ten premium armature drivers sourced from SONION and Knowles, managed by a six-band crossover with fourth-order filters. Each earphone has a lightweight design, weighing just 5.3 grams. Additionally, the model comes with an impressive array of accessories, including a C5 Carry Case, a protective cover for the headphones, a selection of ear pads, and a connection cable crafted from high-purity monocrystalline copper.
Price: $999
Pros: easy load on the amplifier, solid and dynamic sound, highest quality of workmanship
Cons: The price is a bit high
Verdict: Top-end armature headphones from the market leader
Specs: Emitter type – armature | Plug type – 4.4 mm | Sensitivity, dB – 113 | Nominal resistance, Ohm – 12
